CONGRESS

Deep in the heart of downtown Houston, this small historic building was transformed by New Hope Housing into a beautiful, affordable single room occupancy (SRO) housing community.

In the 1920’s, the Del May Hotel at 1414 Congress Street, across from Union Station, was a popular stop for traveling salesmen. Through the years, as it changed hands several times, it steadily went downhill until tax records listed it in very poor condition.

In 1998, the Downtown District incorporated Houston Area Community Development Corporation (HACDC) and renovated the hotel as SRO housing serving the homeless. A new wing was added, increasing the size from 48 to 57 living units each with private bath and limited cooking space.

New Hope Housing assumed governance of Congress in 2002, later closing the property for extensive redevelopment. The renovated building, designed by Val Glitsch, FAIA, LEED AP, opened in 2010.